Almost six out of 10 of Scotland's consultants voted to accept the contract, which was rejected south of the border by a two-to-one majority.

The British Medical Association in Scotland said the contract recognises consultants' commitment to the NHS and rewards them appropriately.

After meeting on Friday, the BMA Scotland agreed to enter into discussions with the Scottish Executive Health Department, with a view to allowing consultants to accept the new contract from April 2003.

We face a difficult time ahead in implementing this contract but I believe the good relationship we have with the Scottish Executive will facilitate this

John Garner BMA Scotland

Dr John Garner, chairman of the BMA's Scottish Council said: "A 'yes' vote for Scotland reflects the diversity within the profession across the UK and I am glad that we have decided to listen to the majority of our members and pursue this contract in Scotland.

"I believe that the NHS in Scotland increasingly differs from that in England and that Scottish consultants will gain from accepting the contract.

"We face a difficult time ahead in implementing this contract but I believe the good relationship we have with the Scottish Executive will facilitate this."

The new pay and conditions deal would give 20% rises in return for less private work and more evening and weekend working.

The BMA in Scotland will be negotiating with the executive

The executive came under pressure to negotiate a separate deal for Scottish consultants when it became apparent that the ballot had shown a north-south divide.

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm indicated that, despite pay normally being negotiated on a UK basis, he would be willing to use his devolution powers to implement the deal in Scotland.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive said officials were keen to meet the Scottish BMA as soon as possible to discuss the way forward.

"We hope to have something more substantial to say at the beginning of next week, " she said.